OUR HISTORY

Samuel Marsden first preached the gospel in Aotearoa on Christmas Day 1814 at Oihi Bay – an event made possible by the hospitality of his friend Ruatara. Every year, on the Monday after Christmas, St James holds an outdoor Christmas service at the Marsden Cross, Rangihoua Heritage Park, Oihi Bay. The first Church Missionary Society missionaries settled there at Rangihoua, but after a difficult few years, they came to settle at Kerikeri in 1819, under the protection of Hongi Hika and the people of Kororipo Pā.

The present building is the third church built here and was opened in 1878.  An extension was added in 1963.  The church is dedicated to St James the Great of Compostela, whose symbol is the scallop shell, and who is associated with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain.

There are many stories and local history to discover about Kerikeri and St James.  St James is part of the historical precinct of Kerikeri, at the upper end of the Kerikeri Inlet, and close to the Stone Store, Kororipo Pā, Te Ahurea, and Kemp House. The church is kept open during the day – you’re welcome to come and have a look!

A booklet entitled “Chapel to Church” is available in the Church porch for a small cost and delves into the history of St James.

OUR BUILDINGS

The present St James church was opened in December, 1878, having been built by William Cook and Son from Waimate North. It replaced a building that had been on the same site since 1829. The church was extended by five metres in 1963. St James church is named after St. James the Great of Compostella. The church is built of kauri and sits on puriri piles, some of which have been replaced. The church roof was replaced in 2017. But it is the interior of the church that holds most attraction for visitors.

The top three stained glass windows in the sanctuary (eastern end) were donated by William Hawkins. (He also donated an acre of land on which the vicarage stands, at 128 Kerikeri Rd.) The lower windows, designed by Cecilia Russell, were donated by Jenny Ward.

The windows at the other, west, end of the church were designed by B Bennet and donated by J and M Kennedy. Other interesting windows include the World War 2 commemorative window, next to the oak pulpit. Beside it is a plaque in memory of Bill Warbrick which details his interesting war experiences, including working on the Bridge on the River Qwai.

The organ in front of the windows was donated by Henry Driver in 1985.  The organ has recently been refurbished. Music is a strong part of worship at St James. The congregation is blessed to have five organists and a choirmaster, John Jackets, who assembles a choir for services at Easter, Christmas and the patronal festival.

Because of its age, the church constantly requires upkeep and this costs upward of $250 a day!  Visitors’ contribution by way of the donations box in the entrance foyer is appreciated.

DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

Donations can be made directly in the St James bank account 06-0350-0007843-29.

If you would like to help St James continue to thrive for future generations you may wish to consider making a bequest.  Making a bequest is a good way of giving, especially if at present you feel that you are not able to give as much as you would like to.